device for conveyor belt livestock loading with pre-loader having conveyor belt, main conveyor, comprising a lift section, top section, and also having an auto-loader section.
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1. A device for loading livestock via conveyor belts, comprising:
a main conveyor comprising a lift section and a top section, and a conveyor belt traversing the lift section and the top section;
said lift section and top section joined and articulated each relative to each other, said articulation creating an angle of articulation between them, the main conveyor being raisable or lowerable, said top section having a distal end with respect to a juncture of said lift section and said top section, a distance between said distal end and said juncture being selectively adjustable;
the device also comprising an auto-loader section depending from the top section;
the top section, and the auto-loader section each comprising a conveyor belt, each belt comprising a transport surface portion having a length and each belt functioning independently of the other in speed of motion, direction of motion, extension, retraction, and transport surface portion length;
said auto-loader section conveyor belt being independently extendable or retractable with respect to said main conveyor; and
said device also comprising a trailer having a frame, whereby the device is movable from place to place wherein said main conveyor belt includes a serpentine conveyor belt, comprising a slack loop and a means of exerting tension on the slack loop, whereby tension can be maintained on the serpentine belt by permitting the size of the slack loop to vary with extension or retraction of the top end section.
3. A device for loading livestock via conveyor belts, comprising:
a main conveyor portion, comprising a lift section and a top section, and a conveyor belt traversing the lift section and the top section;
said lift section and top section joined and articulated each relative to each other, said articulation creating an angle of articulation between them;
the main conveyor being raisable or lowerable, the top section being extendable and retractable;
the device also comprising an auto-loader section depending from the top section;
the top section, and the auto-loader section, each comprising a conveyor belt, each belt comprising a transport surface having a length, and each belt functioning independently of the other and independently variable in speed of motion, direction of motion, extension, retraction, and transport surface length of length each relation to the other;
said device also comprising a trailer having a frame, whereby the device may be moved from place to place;
and also comprising a detached pre-loader, said pre-loader comprising an independent conveyor belt having a transport surface portion, said conveyor belt independently variable in speed of motion, direction of motion, extension retraction, and length of transport surface portion, conveyor belt, said pre-loader able to communicated with the main conveyor, said auto-loader section conveyor belt being independently extendable or retractable with respect to said main conveyor wherein said main conveyor belt includes a serpentine conveyor belt, comprising a slack loop and a means of exerting tension on the slack loop, whereby tension can be maintained on the serpentine belt by permitting the size of the slack loop to vary with extension or retraction of the top end section.
2. A device as in
4. A device as in
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Not applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
This invention relates generally to the field of livestock handling and more specifically to device for conveyor belt livestock loading.
As the production and processing of livestock, in particular poultry, has become centralized with thousands of animals raised and housed in one location and hundreds of thousands of animals processed in one location, the need arose to efficiently transport large numbers of animals from point of origin to the processing plants or other locations. Therefore, customized vehicles able to contain the maximum number of animals and loading methods to load the maximum number of animals most quickly with the least amount of stress upon and aggravation of said animals have been devised.
At present, the most common transportation means, particularly for poultry, is a flat bed trailer having cages or coops arranged side by side to form horizontal tiers and vertical columns. And the most popular loading means is a device having a conveyor system having a plurality of different moving belts communicating with the ground, where animals may be herded thereonto, and the interior of a coop where the animals may be deposited thus filling said coop.
These devices generally have a main conveyor system which may be individually raised or lowered, and which transfers animals to another loading conveyor belt which extends into the coop being loaded. This loading conveyor belt is progressively withdrawn as it moves animals into the coop as the coop is filled. Then, the coop is closed and the conveyor system is raised or lowered to the next coop and the process repeated.
When each coop in a column has been loaded, the trailer is moved to align a new empty column of coops with the loader. This process is repeated until each column is filled. These present technologies have disadvantages which the extant art defeats or over which it provides improvements as described below.
The head of the loader, in the instant art, below termed the “major assembly, is an improvement in that it has a main conveyor belt which extends and retracts automatically in response to lift or descents, by employing electrical control of extension or retraction device, and a serpentine belt, the effective length of which can be automatically extended or fore-shortened, as necessary. This allows employment of a more compact configuration, greatly increasing overall convenience and ease of operation.
This major assembly includes an operator station, and an autoloader which has a discrete conveyor belt that reaches to, and into, the coops being loaded. The main conveyor belt extends and retracts as necessary to maintain a fixed distance relationship between it and the interiors of the receiving coops. It also tilts automatically to keep itself parallel to the plane of its transport and support frame.
This is accomplished automatically, by providing sensor, receiver, and transmitters in the supporting extension or retraction devices, in example the lift-cylinder mechanism, the extension-cylinder mechanisms, and tilt-cylinder mechanisms. A processor reads the sensor, receiver, and transmitter, receiver, and transmitters, and manages the three, simultaneously to keep them where they need to be.
Because this design provides the described automatically and constantly maintained orientation relative to the coops being loaded, it can use a foreshortened autoloader. Accordingly, the associated moving parts can be, and are, smaller and lighter, thereby exerting less stress on other parts of the device. This is in contrast to other previous technologies that accomplish the loader to coop distance adjustment manually via hydraulics, such as Calabria et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,281,496 B2. Such technologies require the operator to manipulate a lever to move the end of the loader in and out. But without a serpentine belt, this requires a longer autoloader.
Further, the instant technology employs electric controls instead of previously popular pneumatic or hydraulic controls. This feature significantly reduces the amount of unwieldy and bulky plumbing, increases ease of use, and makes more control options available. In example, no fluid bearing lines need run from fluid source to operator station, there communicating with control valves accessible by an operator, to extension or retraction means, but only need to run from fluid source to extension or retraction device. Other included embodiments eliminate hydraulic systems altogether.
In another example, Anderson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,564,751 B2 the loader does not extend and retract, but, instead, maintains distance relative to the loading coop by use of a scissor hoist. As a result, it needs a longer autoloader, because the end of its main belt doesn't extend with the head. Therefore, extra length is required to take up where the main belt fails short.
In the instant technology, the preloader can be stored inside a tunnel inherent to the design configuration. It is loaded into this position letting the main conveyor belt or a winch pull it forward until it rests entirely supported by the main conveyor belt. This stands in contrast to other designs, such as U.S. Pat. No. 7,281,496 B by Calabria, and Anderson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,564,751 B2, which require the preloader to be propped up in an upright position from the back of the device. In such a propped-up position, it exerts extreme stress on the driveshaft on which it pivots.
Other devices, such as Anderson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,564,751 B2 and Calabria et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,281,496 B2, have a preloader that pivots on the driveshaft up front. When the device is transported, the preloader folds in half, and sits upright, in a vertical position. In that position, normal “bouncing” as the device travels, even on a prepared roadway, puts enormous stress on that shaft.
The instant design employs plastic modular belts, which are more humane, than previous technologies and are also self-lubricating, slip-proof, and self-positioning.
In example, Calabria et al. U.S. Pat. No. 7,281,496 B2, uses a rubber conveyor belt. With such a belt, an operator must constantly monitor and adjust it to make sure it is running straight, and keep the rollers straight to prevent the belt from “walking” one way or another. In contrast, the instant art uses sprockets to drive the belts, so, there is no problem with the belt “walking.” It is essentially self-positioning. Rubber belts also slip when wet, or icy. In contrast, sprockets of the instant art prevent the belt from doing slipping.
Other example devices, such as Anderson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,564,751 B2 use a belt of metal cleated chain. Such a chain is exceedingly heavy. Further, it is inhuman in that it has openings through which the feet of livestock can drop.
This technology also includes debri-clearing augers organic to the system. The lower or intake end of each conveyor-belt rolls around an idler shaft having a gently-auger shaped surface. The auger-shaped surface resembles two worm gears originating end-to-end at the center of the shaft and twisting outward toward the shaft ends. As the upper, load-conveying surface of the belt goes forward, the lower, returning portion of the belt brings trash and debris inside it towards the intake end of the belt. When this trash and debris reaches the intake end of the belt, it flows with the belt up and around the intake side of the idler shaft. Then, flowing over the top of the shaft, it falls back onto the belt on the other side of the shaft and is cycled around it again. However, each time the trash and debris flows over the shaft, the auger-shaped surface moves it a little more towards the ends of the shaft, until the trash and debris falls clear of the device, entirely.
Thus, this new technology reduces the time required to load a trailer and reduces the stress on animals being loaded, thereby advancing the art of loading livestock onto trailers.
The primary object of the invention is to accomplish faster loading of livestock, especially poultry, into cages or coops arranged in columns and tiers on a semi-trailer.
Another object of the invention is loading of livestock using a series of conveyor belts permitting significantly more continuous operation.
Another object of the invention is to minimize the stress and disturbance on livestock being loaded into cages or coops.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a device for loading livestock using a pre-loader having a conveyor belt, a main conveyor section having a conveyor belt, a lift section, a top section, and an auto-loader section.
In accordance further with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a process for livestock loading comprising the steps of: herding livestock onto a pre-loader which transfers the livestock to a main conveyor section having a top section, which transfers the livestock to an auto-loader section, comprising an extendable or retractable conveyor belt.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.
Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.
The instant art deals with structures using arrangements of conveyor belts and coordinating of the speeds of some relative to others, all of which are well known in the art. Therefore such structures, types and arrangements of conveyor belts and methods of coordination of various conveyor belt elements will not be described in meticulous detail. Also, one may readily appreciate that automated livestock loaders may comprise elements having nothing to do with the inventive steps of the instant art, in example walls and/or roof covers, which, for clarity, will therefore not be depicted nor described in great detail.
When used in reference to conveyor belts, the term “variable” may refer to length of conveyor belt, speed of conveyor belt, extension or retraction of conveyor belt and/or direction of motion of conveyor belt, as apparent from the context.
The term “ground” may refer to the earth surface or any other surface upon which livestock may tread prior to communication with the instant art or any surface upon which the instant art or other livestock conveyance may travel or rest.
The terms “lift cylinder,” “extension cylinder,” and “tilt cylinder” are understood to refer to extendable or retractable hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders. In addition, those well versed in the art will readily appreciate that other means of accomplishing the functions of hydraulic and/or pneumatic cylinders are known and may be exploited in the instant art. In example, elements extended by arrangements of racks and pinions, racks and worm gears, screw jacks, etc. are known and may be substituted.
Looking now at
Turning now to
Looking further at
The top section (118) is oriented substantially horizontally, in a plane essentially parallel to the plane of the trailer frame (162), the lift section (116) and the top section (118) having a pivot point (166) there-between, so that the lift section (116) and the top section (118) are articulated, each relative the other.
Turning yet again to
The top section (118), and auto-loader section (124) are integral structures having conveyor belts possessing independently variable, speed of motion, direction of motion, extension, and/or retraction, (158, 174). Also, one notes a pre-loader (112). This is also an independent structure having a conveyor belt (178) independently variable in speed of motion, direction of motion, extension, retraction, or length relative other conveyor belts (158, 174). It communicates by removable attachment means with the ground (168) and the end of the main conveyor section (114) proximal the pivot point (156).
Additionally, being an integral and removably attachable element, the pre-loader (112) may be oriented on the trailer (128) in such manner that its weight or momentum, if the trailer (128) is moving, is not borne by any other elements excepting the trailer. Further, one notes that in operative position, the top section (118) is substantially level and the top section drop-end (170) is at an optimal distance from the column of coops (152), which distance is distance X.
Attending again to
Now one may readily appreciate that as the main conveyor section (114) is lifted and pivoted about pivot point (156) by lift-cylinder mechanism (126) thusly describing the arc (B), the distance X from the top section discharge point, termed the drop-end (170), to the column (152) of coops (136) will tend to increase and the orientation of the top section (118) will tend to vary from substantially horizontal. However, overcoming this tendency, the top section (118) is extendable in direction A by extension-cylinder mechanism (132) and the top section (118) is articulated relative to the lift section (116) by tilt-cylinder mechanism (150).
Therefore, one may readily appreciate that by proper extension of and articulation of the top section (118), the top section (118) may be maintained in substantially horizontal position, remaining in a plane essentially parallel to the trailer frame (162), and the distance X from the top section drop-end (170) to the column (152) of coops (136) may be kept substantially constant. In addition, one may readily appreciate that said coordination may be affected by well known control systems for cylinders (126, 132, 150).
In example, such control may be accomplished by systems exploiting analog or digital processors, stepper motors, servo mechanisms, control and feed back devices and circuitry, and the like. Alternatively, such control may be manual or semi-manual, involving human operators or combinations of any of the above.
In addition, one may readily appreciate that as the main conveyor section (114) is lowered by retraction of lift-cylinder mechanism (126), then the tilt-cylinder mechanism (150) and extension-cylinder mechanism (132) may be retracted in coordinated manner to maintain the top section (118) in a substantially horizontal orientation, essentially in a plane parallel to that of the trailer frame (162), and maintain distance X substantially constant by any of the same aforementioned means or combinations.
Now, one may readily appreciate that the extension and/or retraction of the top section (118) of the main conveyor section requires a means to take up or play out slack in the main conveyor section conveyor belt (158) sundry of which are known. In example as in
Further, those well versed in the art will readily appreciate any conveyor belt comprised by the instant art may exploit the above slack play out and take up means and that, the auto-loader section (124) and/or the auto-loader section conveyor belt (174) or supporting structures, may communicate with extension-cylinder mechanisms so as to be extendable or retractable in the manner of the top section (118).
In example,
In the preferred mode,
One example is shown by
Although
Then, by means of known trigonometric functions, the control module (180) may calculate the length of extension or retraction of the tilt-cylinder mechanism (150) and/or the extension-cylinder mechanism (132) required to maintain distance X and maintain the top section (118) in proper orientation according to or in response to extension or retraction of the lift-cylinder mechanism (126), and transmit appropriate control commands to relevant cylinders. In addition, the auto-loader extension-cylinder mechanism (131) may comprise a sensor, receiver, and transmitter, receiver, and transmitter (129) to ascertain degree of extension or retraction of the auto-loader section (124) and transmit said data to the central control module (180). The central control module (180) may then transmit commands to the auto-loader section (24) according to said data.
Thus, the instant art (110) may be operated automatically, by an operator, or by combination of operator and automatic systems.
As depicted in
Also, as the main conveyor section (114) is raised or lowered, the slope of the top section (118) will vary necessitating adjustment of Angle M to return said slope to optimal. Said variance may be illustrated by Angle N which comprises the top section (118) as moved and a Line IS representing ideal slope. Said variance occurs in accordance with variance of Angle L according to relationship which is known. Therefore, Angle N may be known at any disposition of the main conveyor section (114).
Now it may be readily appreciated that the new Angle M, Angle M′, required to adjust the slope of the top section (118) to optimal, is simply Angle M minus Angle N if the main conveyor section (114) has been raised or Angle M plus Angle N if the main conveyor section has been lowered. Angle M′ may be accomplished by articulation of the top section (118) relative the lift section (116) by means previously described.
Now it may be readily appreciated that in ideal circumstances, the coops (136) will be substantially level. However, if the trailer (134) is not resting upon level ground (68), the coops (136) will be correspondingly slanted. In that case, the angle of the top section (118) and the auto-loader (124) may be adjusted as necessary by appropriate manipulation by the extension-cylinder mechanism (132) and/or tilt-cylinder mechanism (150).
Turning now to
Turning back to
Also seen is a livestock guide (206) having substantially the same length as the receiving section (196) disposed substantially normal thereto and substantially longitudinally coaxial or substantially parallel to the receiving section (196) longitudinal axis. The livestock guide (206) is movable from one side of the receiving section (196) to the other. Thus, it may be readily appreciated that the receiving section (196) may rest upon the ground (168) while the riser section (198) communicates with the main conveyor section (114), as shown in
Shown additionally is one or more litter panels (208) pivotably communicating with the receiving section (196) at essentially the entire length thereof at essentially the level of the pre-loader conveyor belt (178).
Thus, as seen in
It may be readily appreciated that when sections of conveyor belt systems having a common conveyor belt articulate one relative the other, as in the instant art (210), said belt will tend not to remain in previous orientation relative elements of said systems, especially proximal the point of said articulation. Thus, when said articulation occurs, the belt may lose contact with supporting elements, drive elements, guide elements, barrier elements or the like, or said belt movement may obstruct or impede proper function of such elements.
Therefore, the instant art (110) may comprise any or combination of any known means to maintain said belt in proper orientation as sections are articulated. In example,
In light of
In light of
Additionally, it will be noted that the livestock guide (206) may move from one side of the receiving section to the other. Thus, if livestock (154) are to enter the receiving section from only one side, the livestock guide (206) may move toward the opposite side to maximize portion of the pre-loader section conveyor belt (178) accessible to said livestock (154) and thereby maximize number of livestock that may enter receiving section (196) and minimize time required for said entry.
However, it will also be noted that livestock (154) may enter both sides of the receiving section (196) at once. In such case, the livestock guide (206) may move so that area of receiving section (196) accessible from both sides is maximized, in example to proximal the middle of the receiving section (196). Also, it may be understood that the side of the receiving section (196) receiving livestock may be alternated and the livestock guide (206) moved as appropriate to maximize said reception. Also, if livestock (154) are being loaded from both sides but at different rates, the livestock guide (206) may move toward the side receiving at the lower rate.
The livestock guide (206) may be moved by the impetus of contact therewith by livestock being loaded or according to direction from an operator or control unit (180). In addition, the livestock guide (206) may be removably fixed in one position.
Now one may readily appreciate that the working elements of the loader (110) are carefully contrived so that the movement of animals by conveyor belts and the transfers of animals from one conveyor to another and/or from a conveyor belt to the interior of a cage or coop (136) are smoothly achieved with a humane minimum of pushing or shoving or other raw force.
In addition, due to certain factors, in example the volitional nature of livestock (154) and their freedom, albeit limited, to move at virtually any step in the loading process, the livestock (154) locations on various conveyor belts and their depositions from locations on one conveyor belt to locations on other conveyor belts may appear to be random.
Looking again at
Now one may readily appreciate that the sundry elements comprising the device (110) may communicate with each other and be supported by various types of frameworks. Said framework types and dispositions are well known and are not claimed and therefore are not depicted in the figures or the descriptions for the sake of clarity and/or brevity. In addition, one may also readily appreciate that controls for the operation of the various elements of the device (110) may be placed at any number of convenient locations about the device (110) and that structures to house and/or support operators may be similarly disposed about the device (110), many effective dispositions of said controls and operator housings being known.
The motive force for elements of the instant art (110) has been described as being provided by cylinders having pistons extended or retracted by hydraulic or pneumatic force. However, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that suitable motive force may be provided by other means. In example,
Thus, as the shaft (214) is rotated by said motor (218), in example in direction indicated by curved arrow, the pinion (184) will rotate causing movement relative the rack (182) and attached auto-loader (124) in direction of straight arrow. By reversing said rotation of pinion (184), movement of pinion (184) and attached auto-loader (124) may be reversed. Thus, auto-loader (124) may be extended or retracted by rack and pinion arrangement (211) as described. The motor (218) may comprise any device suitable for applying rotation or torque to a shaft, in example, an electric motor or an orbit motor.
Also, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that by eliminating cylinders having pistons extended or retracted by hydraulic or pneumatic force, necessary ancillary elements such as compressors, pumps, air lines, hydraulic lines, hydraulic fluid reservoirs, air tanks, valves, and the like might also be eliminated thus simplifying the instant art and the operation thereof. In addition, each rack and pinion arrangement (211), or other extension or retraction means, may comprise sensor, receiver, and transmitter, receiver, and transmitter means (220) to communicate data to the central control module (180) so that the instant art (110) may be operated as previously described.
Further, one may readily appreciate that all elements of the device (110) may be arranged on the trailer (128) so that all may be transported from place to place and the device (110) configured for transport at one location with minimum of time and effort, and set up for operation at another location with minimum of time and effort.
In particular,
In addition,
Ideally, the cushions (256) are rigid enough to prevent unnecessary movement of the cushioned element but flexible or resilient enough to prevent transfer of damaging shock to said cushioned element. The trailer frame (162) may further comprise a storage compartment (258) for disposition of tie downs (254) or cushions (256) when not in use.
As is well known, conveyor belt systems, especially those comprising the instant art (110), comprise a loop (252) of a conveyor belt mounted upon rollers. Thus, as the loop (252) rotates around the rollers, the loop (252) will have an upper part (238) and a lower part (240) which will travel in different directions. The loop (252) will have an inner surface (244) and an outer surface (242) with the upper loop part (238) outer surface (242) bearing and moving items.
Further, as a consequence of normal operation of the instant art (110), debris (230) will tend to build up on the inside of the various conveyor belt loops (252). Thus, the instant art (110) may comprise means to remove said debris (230). In example, as shown in
The auger (232) is disposed between the upper loop part (238) and the lower loop part (240) essentially contiguous with the loop inner surface (244). Also seen, is that the auger (232) may be rotated by a motor, in example electrical or orbit, communicating with the auger shaft (234). Alternately, the auger (232) may comprise a gear or sprocket (246), having teeth, proximal the middle of the auger shaft (234). The loop inner surface (244) may comprise a track (248) having teeth (250) which inter-mesh with the gear or sprocket teeth (250). Therefore, it may be understood that the auger (232) may be rotated as the track (248) moves with the rotating loop (252).
Now, it will be understood that any debris (230) adhering to the loop inner surface (244) will eventually contact the auger (232) by movement of said loop (252). The debris will then be moved towards the ends of the shaft (234) opposite the middle of the shaft (234) and thus be removed from the loop (252) in accordance with action of the helical ridges or threads (236) as described in detail by Archimedes in the third century B.C.
There are sundry known means to rotate conveyor belt loops (252).
Seen are the conveyor belt loop (252) having an upper part (238) and a lower part (240) comprising an inner surface (244) and an outer surface (242). Disposed therebetween, communicating with the conveyor belt loop inner surface (244) is a drive gear or sprocket (188) having teeth (250). Also seen is that the conveyor belt loop inner surface (244) comprises a conveyor belt drive track (186) having teeth (250). The teeth (250) of the drive gear or sprocket (188) and the teeth (250) of the conveyor belt drive track (186) inter-mesh. Thus, as the drive gear or sprocket (188) rotates, said inter-meshing teeth (250) transfer rotation from the drive gear or sprocket (188) to the conveyor belt loop (252). Said conveyor belt drive means is simple and can be light weight. It also tends to minimize belt slippage and walking.
Thusly, by the above provisions, the loading of livestock may be made more efficient, thereby advancing the art
While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Anderson, Douglas Dean, Anderson, Joshua Dean
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